"My Child"

   This poem was inspired more than 4 years ago, and I've not really published it since that time.  It has brought me comfort and encouragement, and I hope it does the same for you.  God loves us and is faithful.  Even when we don't understand, He has a purpose in every tiny detail! :)  Enjoy!

MY CHILD

C.R. Madewell

“My God, I try so very hard,”

I cry in prayer and pain,

“To do Your will, to make it work,

To magnify Your Name.

I know You’ve called me higher,

And I do the best I can

I do everything I know to do

To live up to Your plan.

But, Lord, I am so tired,

And I’ve scarcely just begun.

You’ve called me to so very  much,

How can I get it done?”

“My child, you are so precious,”

My Father sings to me

“You’re beautiful –

Exactly what I’ve created you to be.

But, darling, you don’t understand,

You’re not strong enough alone.

With all your might

(And none of Mine)

You’ll never get it done.

You’re weak by my intention,

Your insufficiency is blessed,

It’s now, when you’ve done all you can

My strength is at its best.

So, dry your eyes,

And don’t lose heart,

Be steady in the race.

By works you’ll never win the prize,

But only by My Grace.”

“My God, it seems that laughter

Is all I ever hear.

With constant lies and criticism

Ringing in my ears.

So many claimed to love me,

But quickly turned away.

Because I’ve taken up my cross,

I stand alone today.

Tell me what to say to them

To turn it all around,

How do I make them realize

The truth that I have found?”

“My child, the love I’ve given you

Is not for you alone.

So many blindly seek it –

They’ll never find it on their own.

You’re my light in shadowed places,

Set aglow by My own spark,

You’re my beacon to the hearts of men,

And you’re brighter in the dark.

Some of them won’t understand,

Some will never see.

Just remember when they scoff at you,

That they first hated Me.

You don’t need man’s approval,

Don’t seek worldly accolade,

True peace and joy are given you

By the ransom that I paid.”

“Will I ever make it?

Will I ever see the end?

So many storms and trials,

Seems my heart will never mend.

Everything that seemed so clear

Not so very long ago,

Seems now more like mud and muck

Than the truth I used to know.

I’m smothered by this darkness,

Suffocated by this fear,

I can’t feel Your presence,

Doesn’t seem like You still care.

What did I do to warrant this?

Where did I go so wrong?

Please, Jesus, come and be with me,

What’s taking You so long?”

“My child, ye of little faith,

Don’t you understand?

Have you forgotten that the storms of life

Are still at my command?

Death is but a shadow,

This valley merely part of life,

I brought you here to better you,

And I’ve never left your side.

Refining fire always burns,

But one day you will see,

The perfect care I take

To make the treasure that you’ll be.”

“My God, it’s all so beautiful!

Like I never dreamed!

The streets of gold, the Tree of Life,

This ever-flowing stream!

I think of how You brought me here –

The perfect life that You laid down –

I humbly bow before You now,

And offer you my crown.

Such perfect peace and abundant joy

On earth I never knew,

But now it’s mine forevermore,

And all because of You!”

“Well done, My child,

And welcome home,

Now, let Me dry those tears.

Come, enjoy the inheritance

You’ve hoped for all these years.

Your legacy will carry on,

Your descendants will be blessed.

You’ve fought the fight

And overcome,

Now enter in

And rest!”